The dangers of blue light: True story!

• Published in: Journal francais d'ophtalmologie Vol. 39; no. 5; p. 483
• Main Authors: Renard, G, Leid, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01-05-2016
• Subjects: Color; Eye Diseases - etiology; Humans; Light - adverse effects; Lighting - adverse effects; Radiation Injuries - etiology; Retina - radiation effects; Spectrum Analysis; Lumière bleue; OLED; Retina; LED; Blue light; Rétine
• ISSN: 1773-0597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2016.02.003

The dangers of the blue light are the object of numerous publications, for both the scientific community and the general public. The new prolific development of light sources emitting potentially toxic blue light (415-455nm) ranges from LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lamps for interior lighting to television screens, computers, digital tablets and smartphones using OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology. First we will review some technical terms and the main characteristics of light perceived by the human eye. Then we will discuss scientific proof of the toxicity of blue light to the eye, which may cause cataract or macular degeneration. Analysis of the light spectra of several light sources, from natural light to LED lamps, will allow us to specify even better the dangers related to each light source. LED lamps, whether used as components for interior lighting or screens, are of concern if they are used for extended viewing times and at short distance. While we can protect ourselves from natural blue light by wearing colored glasses which filter out, on both front and back surfaces, the toxic wavelengths, it is more difficult to protect oneself from LED lamps in internal lighting, the use of which should be restricted to "white warmth" lamps (2700K). As far as OLED or AMOLED screens are concerned, the only effective protection consists of using them occasionally and only for a short period of time.